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Mary Lawrence, David Sliman

We bought our land in the fall of 2007 and spent the winter thinking about what to do with 7 acres 26 miles west of Portland. The land was "scoured" from being graveled off, common in this part of Maine. We knew if we wanted to grow anything we would have to spend a couple of years digging out boulders and building up the thin layer of topsoil that remained.

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That first summer, Dave cleared sumac and brush and I studied what plants might survive our southern Maine climate. Poison ivy, black flies, and mosquitos be damned, we managed to haul in 130 yards of horse manure, plant clover, and winter rye. We decided against growing vegetables for market and concentrated on offering rare or forgotten fruit that are not always found in these parts.

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We had big dreams the first few years. Over time we have tempered our expectations to match our skills...and reality. It's just the two of us working the farm and this business, so we are limiting the number of trees and bushes we plant, rethinking ideas that didn't pan out. ​

 

So what are some of the plants we grow? We've got blueberries (hey---we live in Maine), raspberries, elderberries, sour bush cherries, beach plums, Green Gage plums, and lingonberries. There are a few other weirdos that are more experimental and not reliable.

 

Because we are a small operation we are unable to produce a large supply of product. What we can do, is create a jam that is exceptional for a limited number of customers. It is a jam we are proud of.
 

About Rare Berry Farm

Mary Lawrence                                                 David Sliman

From the Press

iris
dahlia
bouquet of dahlia, rose, thyme

Comments from our customers...

"Rare Berry Farm jams are so fresh and flavorful. I am very, very pleased with the excellent quality of the jams."   --Kathy B. (Indiana)

"The best jams I've ever had! Large pieces of fruit in every jar, incredibly delicious tangy taste, and a consistency you can't get in a commercial brand."   --Anita F. (Pennsylvania)

"Rare Berry Farm jams are delicious, fresh, and colorful. Great for breakfast."  --Cathy B. (Maine)

"...is like a bit of heaven in my mouth."  --Asherah C. (Maine)

"The taste of the Ergo Elderberry is mind-blowing." --Kevin S. (Connecticut)

"I've never paid $12 for a jar of jam in all my life, but the Beach Plum Bum was worth every penny."  --Sarah Y. (Limerick, ME)

"Every time we open one of your jars, a little bit of Maine heaven happens in Austin, Texas." --Leslie Z. (Texas)

"THANKS for making such a great product, for taking this art so nicely forward." --Sandy P. (Florida)

"We love the jam so much we horde it until we can get more!" --Ann W. (Texas)

About our Jam-

We label our jam with a "best by" date of 2 years from the month it was made. Our lid manufacturer only guarantees the seal on the jars for two years. So please purchase our jam with the intention of eating it within that time frame.

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Also, the jam may crystallize once it is stored in the refrigerator any length of time. You can remedy this by dampening a small square of paper towel and placing it over the opening, then warming it in your microwave for about 20 seconds. Give it a stir then repeat if necessary. What is better than warm jam?

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